TRUE NORTH INSIGHTS

As the trees turn and we move into fall, True North Executive Solutions is doubling down on what makes organizations resilient: clear strategy, strong people systems, and leaders who can navigate change with confidence. This season of harvest and preparation is the perfect time to assess where you are, sharpen your plan, and set the foundation for growth in the year ahead.

At True North Executive Solutions, we know that lasting success requires more than just vision, it takes the right strategy and the people systems to carry it forward.

With decades of C-suite leadership experience as CEO, COO, and CHRO, we’ve been in your seat. We understand the weight of leading through complexity, transitions, and uncertainty, and we bring that lived experience to every engagement.

What makes True North unique is our ability to bridge strategy and human resources expertise in one integrated approach. Many firms focus on one or the other, but we know that an organization cannot be successful unless it:

1. Understands its current state

2. Has a clear strategic plan for the future

3. Builds the people and infrastructure to make it happen

That’s why our services span both:

• Strategic Planning – including our Future-Ready Organizational Assessment, a holistic current-state analysis that equips boards and executives with insight into strengths, risks, and opportunities

• Human Resources & Infrastructure – from workforce planning and compliance to leadership development and culture building, ensuring the right people and systems are in place to deliver on strategy

This dual expertise is our hallmark: we connect strategy to execution, aligning people, structure, and culture with long-term goals. The result? Organizations that are not only future-ready but equipped for sustainable growth. We are so grateful for the many opportunities we have had to support local organizations in making this critical connection!

If you’re ready to turn autumn momentum into measurable progress, schedule a discovery conversation with True North and let’s plant the seeds for next year’s growth.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE:

• DisruptHR West Palm Beach

• Upcoming presentations and workshops

• Manager Enrichment Series

• Partnership Spotlight: RIT Executive Business Programs

• Client Spotlight

UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

St. John Fisher College Center for Nonprofit Leadership

Join Christina on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (8:30–11:00 a.m.) at Center for Nonprofit Leadership at St. John Fisher University for a session on Board Governance Best Practices.

A version of this presentation has been shared at national conferences, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share these board governance insights with our local leaders!
We’ll explore:
 ✅ Role clarity between board, CEO & executive team
 ✅ Strategic direction & shared ownership of goals
 ✅ Building strong board culture & succession planning
 ✅ Running effective meetings & using consent agendas
 ✅ Committees with purpose & crisis preparedness
Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/g7uD2mpY

Social Current Spark 2025 Conference

True North Executive Solutions is proud to share that Christina Gullo will be presenting at Social Current’s SPARK 2025 Conference in Chicago on October 20–21, 2025.

Christina will lead a session on “Building an Effective Board: Strategies for Success.” This session will provide practical insights for board members, executives, and nonprofit leaders to strengthen governance practices, improve board performance, and align leadership with organizational goals.

For more information, use this link:

C5: Building an Effective Board: Strategies for Success - Social Current

MANAGER ENRICHMENT SERIES

Lead with Clarity & Courage!

Facilitated by Michelle Lee, this enrichment series will equip non-HR managers with the essential skills to lead confidently and navigate core responsibilities with clarity. Through interactive sessions on hiring, employment law, performance, and courageous conversations, participants will build practical tools to support their teams and drive results.

Who should attend: New and emerging managers or any manager of a non-profit or for-profit organization interested in strengthening their skills as a people focused manager.

Format: 6-session series, twice weekly (Monday and Wednesday), for three consecutive weeks, beginning October 20,2025 through November 5, ,2025, delivered virtually.

Sessions: Navigating the Legal Landscape, Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for NY State Managers, Beyond Bullet Points: Write Job Descriptions that Work, Interviewing with Purpose, Equity & Impact, The Courage to Connect: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Clarity and Respect, Managing Leaves and Accommodations with Confidence

Time: 8:00AM-9:30AM

Investment: $75 per session

For more information and to register: Manager Enrichment Series — True North Executive Solutions

PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

RIT Executive Business Programs

On September 16, 2025, True North Executive Solutions partnered with RIT Saunders College of Business Executive Programs to host Evolving Governance: Interactive Sessions for Strategic Boards at the Genesee Valley Club.

Christina Gullo opened the session with a presentation on nonprofit board governance, setting the stage for an engaging discussion on the evolving role of boards in today’s environment.

The program also featured an exceptional panel of thought leaders and practitioners including Dan Tessoni, Kevin Surace, Dennis Bassett, Jen Arbore, and Mike Amico who shared best practices, bold ideas, and real-world insights. Panelists answered questions from participants and provided practical strategies for strengthening board engagement, accountability, and succession.

Here is one participant had to say about the interactive session:

“I found it insightful, interesting, engaging, and actionable. Mike Amico said that he considers a session a success if he can find one nugget to take with him…and your program delivered a whole Happy Meal. I hope that you and your panelists realize that at least one local charity will operate much more effectively because of their efforts today.” Brandon Beardsley, GRB, Board Member Camp Good Days.

Pictured Above, Evolving Governance Panelists, Left to Right: Dr. Dan Tessoni, Mike Amico, Kevin Surace, Jen Arbore and Dennis Bassett

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Delphi Rise Board Retreat

In September 2025, True North Executive Solutions partnered with Delphi Rise to facilitate their Board Retreat. Together, we explored board governance best practices, fiduciary responsibilities, and strategic opportunities to position the organization for long-term sustainability and impact.

Through presentations, guided discussions, and small group work, board members and leadership engaged in meaningful conversations about strengthening governance, aligning with mission and values, and planning for the future. The retreat also created space for collaboration, reflection, and scenario planning, equipping Delphi Rise’s board with tools to lead confidently in a complex and changing environment.

True North’s role included providing facilitation, governance expertise, and strategic frameworks to help the board chart a clear and future-ready path forward.

Standing in center of photo above, Delphi Rise CEO, Jen Cathy

COFCCA Board Retreat

In August 2025, True North Executive Solutions partnered with the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA) to facilitate a two-day Board Retreat. The retreat focused on strengthening board governance and aligning COFCCA’s leadership around strategic priorities that advance advocacy and impact for children, youth, and families across New York State.

Through presentations, small group discussions, and collaborative exercises, board members engaged in shaping advocacy strategies at the state, federal, and local levels while also exploring ways to amplify COFCCA’s public presence and communications. The retreat laid the groundwork for the creation of a board work plan that assigns ownership and accountability to ensure progress on COFCCA’s priorities.

True North provided facilitation, governance expertise, and strategic frameworks to support the board in navigating complex policy landscapes and strengthening its collective role in leading system-wide change. 

Picture below: Members of the Board of Directors, COFCCA during

True North Executive Solutions uniquely integrates strategic planning and HR expertise, helping organizations understand their current state, set a clear vision, and build the people and infrastructure to achieve it.

If you would like to discuss any topics covered in this newsletter or would like to learn more about our services, please contact us. We are here to assist you.